Golden Voices of Seba Seniors: An Interview with Lynn
As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations, Trish and Tracey have been sitting down with long‑time members to capture the stories that built Seba Seniors. One of those conversations was with Lynn, whose name comes up again and again whenever people talk about the growth, energy, and direction of our centre. She doesn’t seek the spotlight, but her fingerprints are everywhere — from programs to renovations to the way we welcome people today.
What follows is a conversation that offers a window into her journey, her philosophy, and the pride she carries for Seba Seniors.
A Life Rooted in Seba Beach
Trish began by asking Lynn how her connection to Seba Beach started.
“My parents built a cabin here in 1964,” she said. “After they passed away in 1967, Roy and I became the owners. We spent every summer here while living and working in Edmonton.”
Lynn’s career as a registered dietician and instructor in NAIT’s Food Nutrition Management program meant she had summers off — perfect for raising her children at the lake. Eventually, at age 60, she and Roy made the move to Seba Beach full‑time.
“It felt like the right time,” she said. “We’d always loved it here.”
Finding Her Way to Seba Seniors
After settling in year‑round, Lynn had hip replacement surgery and began looking for winter activities.
“At that time, Seba Seniors didn’t have much going on,” she said. “There was the thrift shop and a jam group, and that was about it.”
She and a friend walked into the thrift shop and offered to volunteer, even though volunteers weren’t being recruited. That simple step led to an invitation to join the board around 2012.
“I didn’t go in with a plan,” she said. “I just wanted to help.”
Leadership, Change, and a Lot of Elbow Grease
Over the next 14 years, Lynn served as Social Director, Program Director, President, and Thrift Shop Director. When asked about the changes she helped bring in, she laughed.
“Well, securing the liquor license was a big one,” she said. “I always felt that social events should reflect how adults actually gather. There was resistance at first, but once we had beer and wine at events, attendance went up and people connected more easily.”
Communication was another major shift.
“When I joined, there was no internet presence. Reports were handwritten. Posters and phone trees were how we spread the word,” she said. “We installed the big outdoor sign and started improving how we shared information. That laid the groundwork for everything you see today.”
Accessibility was also a priority.
“We installed the chair lift, renovated the bathrooms, and cleared out years of clutter,” she said. “The Melmoth Lounge was being used as storage. Members couldn’t even use it.”
Programming grew too. Lynn helped create welcoming social events, including the spring barbeque, which became an important way to bring summer residents and year‑round residents together.
On Being a Senior
Trish asked Lynn about her thoughts on the word “senior,” and she didn’t hesitate.
“I’m comfortable with it,” she said. “Being a senior is something to be proud of. We’ve contributed for decades — raising families, building communities, supporting the economy. Now it’s our time to enjoy life.”
She believes the term is evolving and that Seba Seniors should embrace it confidently.
“We’re not frail or disengaged,” she said. “We’re active, interesting, and full of life. Some people under 50 resist the word, but they’re missing out on a lot of fun.”
She supports keeping Seba Seniors focused on seniors while still welcoming the broader community.
Why She Stays Involved
When asked what keeps her connected to the centre after all these years, Lynn didn’t hesitate.
“Seba Seniors is a vital winter hub for year‑round residents,” she said. “People need connection. They need friendship. They need a place to gather.”
She also loves discovering the hidden talents and backgrounds of the people who walk through the door.
“You never know what someone has done in their life until you sit down and talk with them,” she said. “That’s what I enjoy most.”
A Final Reflection
Lynn’s message is simple: seniors are vibrant, capable, and full of stories worth celebrating. Seba Seniors should continue to show the community exactly who they are — dynamic, accomplished, and proud of it.
